BEDFORD – A local teenager is facing several criminal charges after a Bedford Police officer witnessed an attempted “seat swap” during a traffic stop on Wednesday, March 25.
Denny E. Terrell, 18, of Bedford, was issued a summons to appear in court following an investigation that uncovered illegal substances and alcohol in a vehicle he was allegedly driving without a license.
The incident began when Sgt. Toby Gerkin observed a gray Toyota SUV traveling on 16th Street with a license plate that had been expired since October 2025. According to the probable cause affidavit, as Sgt. Gerkin pulled alongside the vehicle; the driver, later identified as Terrell, immediately slowed and made a series of abrupt turns through side streets and an alley in an apparent attempt to avoid the officer.
When Sgt. Gerkin successfully conducted a traffic stop near 18th and Q Streets, he noticed that Terrell, who had been behind the wheel initially, was now sitting in the passenger seat.
While both men initially denied that a driver swap had occurred, they eventually admitted to switching seats because Terrell had never been issued a driver’s license.
After Terrell denied a request to search the vehicle, Officer Carter arrived on the scene with his K9 partner. The K9 conducted an “open-air sniff” of the SUV and provided a positive alert for the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded three electronic smoking devices containing THC, a “Buzz Ballz” alcoholic beverage (15% alcohol by volume), and three nicotine electronic smoking devices.
After being read his Miranda warnings, Terrell reportedly claimed ownership of all the items, confirming that the vape pens contained THC.
Terrell was issued a summons to appear in court on the following offenses: operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license, possession of marijuana, minor in possession of alcohol, and minor in possession of a tobacco problem.
Following the investigation, the vehicle was released to the other male in the vehicle, who held a valid driver’s license.
Terrell is scheduled to appear in Lawrence County Superior Court 2 on April 27, at 8:30 a.m. All illegal substances were seized and placed into evidence.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
